Gates open at 7:30 a.m. No tickets are required.
Commencement Speaker
Stanford alum Sterling K. Brown, who recently made history by becoming the first African-American to win both the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award and Golden Globe for best actor in a dramatic TV series, will give the 2018 Commencement address at Stanford on Sunday, June 17.
“Sterling K. Brown is an eloquent role model for an entire generation, inspiring us with moving performances that not only bring life to each character, but also impart to the world a deeper understanding of our society,” said Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne. “I am so pleased that Sterling will be coming back to Stanford this June to further inspire all of our graduates at Commencement.”
Live Webcast and Broadcast
The ceremony will be webcast live on Sunday, June 17, 2018 and can be viewed here. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on Stanford's radio station KZSU FM 90.1 and on kzsu.stanford.edu.
Audio and Video Recordings
Recordings of the main Commencement ceremony will be available on Stanford iTunes and Stanford YouTube following the event. A link to those recordings will be added when they are available.
General Ceremony and Event Information
For the comfort of families and guests: The following suggestions may make the Commencement ceremony more enjoyable.
- Dress for the heat; light clothing is advisable.
- Hats, visors, and sun block are highly recommended.
- Bottled water will be available in the Stadium, but you may wish to bring your own water as well.
- Light refreshments will be available for purchase at the Stadium during Commencement.
- Umbrellas will not be permitted, as they block the view of other guests.
- Smoking is prohibited in the Stanford Stadium and all other indoor and outdoor spaces holding events during the weekend.
Public Safety Clear Bag Policy - New for 2018
Stanford University has implemented a clear bag policy to provide a safer environment for the public and expedite entry into Stanford Stadium for Commencement 2018. Please review the clear bag policy and FAQs prior to attending the ceremony. A PDF overview is also available to download.
Complimentary Bag Check
Guests with bags or items that do not satisfy the Stanford Stadium Bag Policy are welcome to bring them to the complimentary bag check station, located at Cobb Track/Angell Field. The bag check station opens two hours before the ceremony begins and closes one hour after the conclusion of the event.
Stroller Check Area
Due to safety regulations, no strollers are allowed in the seating areas of the Stadium. For your convenience, a stroller check area will be provided near Gate 3 of the Stadium.
Accessibility Information
Disability Parking
The Varsity Lot (Lot 1), located via Galvez Street to Nelson Road will be reserved for guests displaying any state-issued or temporary disability parking permit. Individuals with mobility limitations can be dropped off outside Gate 2 where folding chairs and a wheelchair shuttle service will be available.
Accessible Entrance
All gate entrances to the Stadium are accessible. Once through the gate, continue through the tunnel (step-free path) to the concourse level and lower bowl sections. An elevator is located at Gate 4 and Gate 5 to access the upper bowl sections.
Mobility Assistance
A limited number of ushers with wheelchairs will be available, beginning at 8:00 a.m., outside Gate 2 of the Stadium to assist in escorting guests with limited mobility into the Stadium. The ushers will drop the guest off near the disability seating and return at the end of the ceremony. No advanced registration is required for this service, and the wheelchair escort service will continue throughout the entire Stadium ceremony.
Seating
The majority of seating at the Stadium will be in direct sunlight. Umbrellas will not be allowed. Some seating areas on the east and southeast sides of the Stadium will be fully or partially shaded during the Ceremony. Wheelchair seating is located at the Concourse level, Row Y, (via the tunnels) and is in full shade. Additional wheelchair seating is located in the upper bowl, Row V, (via the elevator). In order to accommodate guests using wheelchairs, or those with other disability-related needs, we request only one companion per seat. A Mobility Section, located in Row W and X in the lower section, is available for individuals who can only climb limited stairs (5-7 steps with a handrail) or who cannot sit in the sun. All seating is first come, first served.
